CVE-2005-2687 in SaveWebPortal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in SaveWebPortal 3.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the (1) SITE_Path parameter to menu_dx.php or (2) CONTENTS_Dir parameter to menu_sx.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2687 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting SaveWebPortal version 3.4. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically the SITE_Path parameter in menu_dx.php and the CONTENTS_Dir parameter in menu_sx.php. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, which are commonly exploited in web application attacks. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate external input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the affected parameters to reference external URLs or file paths that contain malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes these parameters without proper validation, it executes the injected code within the context of the web server, effectively granting attackers remote code execution capabilities. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion where an application includes or requires a file whose path can be influenced by an attacker. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged through standard HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or local access to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted system, as attackers can modify content, steal information, or disrupt services. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1566 for initial access through web application attacks, demonstrating how such flaws can serve as entry points for broader compromise operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2687 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should disable the ability to pass external file paths through user parameters and implement strict whitelisting of allowed values for the affected parameters. The recommended approach includes using absolute paths instead of relative paths, implementing proper parameter validation, and ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly escaped before processing. Additionally, the SaveWebPortal application should be updated to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version is no longer supported. Security best practices dictate implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious parameter values, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.